About SBC

Sustainable Business Coalition History

In 2008, Earth Charter US, in partnership with the University of Tampa and under the chairmanship of Guy King, launched the first Sustainable Business Awards. The ground-breaking awards event was a great success and has become and annual event. It created lively interest and involvement by Tampa Bay businesses and created momentum for the establishment of the ECUS Sustainable Business Coalition.

Mission

The Mission of the ECUS Sustainable Business Coalition (ECUS SBC) is to develop a sustainable economy in the Tampa Bay Area by promoting and educating Tampa Bay Area businesses about sustainable business practices that align profitability with environmental and social responsibility. To Achieve ECUS SBC Mission, The Earth Charter US Sustainable Business Coalition will: (1) Host the annual Earth Charter US Sustainable Business Awards event in partnership with the University of Tampa; (2) Offer local educational forums on sustainable business practices and experiences and provide networking opportunities; (3) Publish an E-Newsletter with up-to-date sustainable business news and practices; (4) Maintain a web-based databank on sustainable business best practices in partnership with the University of Tampa.

Intent

The Earth Charter US Sustainable Business Coalition wants to be on the leading edge of the sustainability movement with the ultimate goal of creating a sustainable economy in the Tampa Bay area. The ECUS SBC will serve as a “nerve center” where businesses can meet on a quarterly basis, share ideas, hear about innovative programs and network with other businesses that are interested in and/or engage in sustainable practices.

Sustainable Business Coalition Founders

We would like to recognize the Founders of the Earth Charter US Sustainable Business Coalition and express our gratitude for their vision and leadership.

Duncan Broyd Managing Principal, Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK); Downtown Partnership Sustainability Committee Member

Guy King President M.E. Wilson; Award Winner Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce for Man of the Year 2008 and Small Business Winner 2009; Earth Charter US Executive Board Member

Andrew McIntosh Shareholder, Fowler White Boggs, P.A., Honorary Consul for Canada, Earth Charter US Board Member

Mark House Managing Director, The Beck Group

Fred Bennett Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Lykes Bros., Inc.

Charlotte Starfire Director of Global Solutions, Sun Trust Bank; Earth Charter US Board Member

Dan Verreault Ph.D., University of Tampa Professor in Sykes School of Business; Co-Director of Center for Ethics

George Sherman Professor of Ethics at St. Petersburg College; Earth Charter US Board Member

Judy Ryan Community Builder; Chair, Earth Charter US Executive Board Member 

Lorna Taylor Gregory CEO, Premier Eye Care, Inc.; Former Chair, Earth Charter US Board of Directors

Ted Silence Director of Business Development, LEED AP, The Beck Group; US Green Building Council

Gregg Nicklaus Owner, Sirata Beach Resort; 2008 Earth Charter Sustainable Business Leader Award

Jan Roberts Founder, Earth Charter US